Expandable Backflow Cage

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a cage assembly having a first cage portion and a second cage portion where the first and second cage portions together form a cage enclosure with an adjustable length.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent 61/390,299 filed Oct. 6, 2010.

FIELD

The present invention is generally related to outdoor cages for securing exposed piping. More specifically, the present invention is related to backflow cages.

BACKGROUND

Backflow preventer security cages, or backflow cages, are security devices that are used primarily for the prevention of theft and vandalism of a backflow assembly. A backflow assembly, or backflow prevention assembly, is used to protect water supplies from contamination or pollution. In water supply systems, water is normally maintained under pressure to enable water flow. When pressure fails or is reduced, as may happen if a water main bursts, pipes freeze or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system, contaminated water from the ground, from storage of from other sources may be drawn into the system. In order to prevent such an occurrence, regulations may require there to be an air gap or mechanical backflow prevention assembly between the delivery point of mains water and local storage or use.

These backflow assemblies are typically constructed above ground and contain valves, piping, and other equipment. The valves, piping, etc. may be prone to theft since these valuable component parts are left in the open due to the assembly being constructed above ground. Protective cages are a very important part in the installation of a backflow assembly. These cages typically are constructed onto a concrete slab on which the backflow preventer assembly rests. The size of the backflow assembly dictates the size of the concrete support slab and the size of the security cage. Since the size of the backflow assemblies can vary in size, these cages and support systems must usually come in select sizes, or be custom made. In addition, the concrete slab, or forming system typically is constructed or obtained separately and does not come fitted to the security cage.

It would be desirable to have a security cage that can be used for varying sizes of backflow assemblies. It would also be desirable to have a support system that could be used with a wide variety of backflow assemblies and security cages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an expandable backflow cage.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an expandable backflow cage having a track system.

FIG. 3 is an end view of an embodiment of an expandable backflow cage.

FIG. 4 depicts the locking mechanism and hinge mechanism of an embodiment of the expandable backflow cage.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an expanded backflow cage supported by 4 hinges.

FIG. 6A depicts a locking system embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows a side view of a locking system.

FIG. 6C shows a bottom view of a locking system.

FIG. 7A shows cutaway view of a clamshell frame.

FIG. 7B depicts a cutaway view of a lock mechanism of an expandable backflow cage.

FIG. 8 depicts a rear view of a clamshell.

FIG. 9A shows a side view of an additional expandable backflow cage embodiment.

FIG. 9B shows an end view of the expandable backflow cage of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A shows a lock mechanism housing.

FIG. 10B shows a bottom view of a lock mechanism housing.

FIG. 10C shows the lock mechanism housing having a hasp.

FIG. 10D shows FIGS. 10A-C combined to produce a lock system.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an expandable backflow cage.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an outer clamshell.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an inner clamshell.

FIG. 14 is an end view of an expandable backflow cage embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a locking mechanism embodiment.

FIG. 15B is a cutaway view of a locking mechanism embodiment.

FIG. 16 depicts a concrete form embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is an expandable backflow cage that may be used in a wide variety of backflow assemblies. Also disclosed herein is an adjustable concrete form that can be adjusted to fit any chosen size and dimensions of the expandable backflow cage. In an embodiment, the expandable backflow cage is expandable prior to attaching the backflow cage to a foundation, such as setting a portion of, or a connector to, the backflow cage in cement.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a side view of the expandable backflow cage 100 having an inner clamshell piece 102 and an outer clamshell piece 104 wherein each clamshell is shown in a disengaged position. In an embodiment, the outer clamshell is at least large enough house at least a portion of the inner clamshell. In an embodiment, the outer clamshell 104 may receive the inner clamshell 102 by closing over at least a portion of the inner clamshell 102 via a set of hinge assemblies 128 connected to the bottom of the rear 116 of the outer clamshell 104. In an embodiment, both the inner clamshell 102 and the outer clamshell 104 each contain at least one set of hinge assemblies. Each set of hinge assemblies may be placed on their respective clamshells in such a manner that the expandable backflow cage is allowed to open and close by tilting the front of each clamshell as each clamshell pivots on attached hinges. The hinges may be placed near the rear end of each clamshell. As depicted in FIG. 1, the inner clamshell back 130 and the outer clamshell back 132 are positioned opposite of each other and the inner clamshell hinges 126 are placed at a location near the inner clamshell back 130 and the outer clamshell hinges 128 are placed at a location near the outer clamshell back 132. The inner clamshell front 134 is shown in the disengaged position in FIG. 1 facing the outer clamshell front 136. When the expandable backflow cage 100 is closed in the engaged position (not shown) the outer clamshell front 136 will overlap over the inner clamshell front 134.

The surfaces 108 and 112 of the backflow cage may be constructed from or may contain expanded metal, metal grating, wire mesh, perforated metal, or any other desired material. In an embodiment the surfaces 108 and 112 may contain a solid material or may contain a portion that is solid and a portion that is perforated or a mesh type material. The inner clamshell surface 108 may be supported by an inner clamshell frame 114 and the outer clamshell surface 112 may be supported by an outer clamshell frame 116. The inner and outer clamshell frames, 114 and 116, may be constructed from any rigid material, including metal tubing or square metal tubing.

The expandable backflow cage 100 may also contain a locking system containing tab(s) 118 and receptacle(s) 120. In an embodiment, a series of tabs 118 are located on an inserting bar 106 affixed to the outside of the inner clamshell surface 108, while the series of receptacles 120 are located on a receiving bar 110 located on the inside of the outer clamshell surface 112. The tabs 118 are designed to mate with the receptacles 120, creating a bond between the inner clamshell 102 and the outer clamshell 104, when both the inner and the outer clamshells are in a closed position (not shown). The bonded/closed expandable backflow cage (not shown) may be locked closed via a hasp 124 located on the inner clamshell and a lock containment box 122 located on the outer clamshell 104. The lock containment box 122 may be designed to conceal and contain a padlock, for example, for locking the hasp 124 of the inner clamshell 102 with the outer clamshell 104.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a closed expandable backflow cage 200 having an inner clamshell 202 positioned within an outer clamshell 204 wherein the inner clamshell 202 is connected to the outer clamshell 204 via a track system. The outer clamshell 204 may receive the inner clamshell 202 along a track system present on both sides of each clamshell. The track system, as depicted in FIG. 2, includes an inner track 206 located on the outside surface of the inserting clamshell 202. As depicted in FIG. 2, the track system also includes a receiving track 210 located on the inside of the outer clamshell 204.

The size, or length, of the expandable backflow cage 200 depicted in FIG. 2 is adjustable by sliding the inner clamshell 202 along the track system to obtain a desired cage length. This adjustability feature allows for a single expandable cage size, shape, or design to be used in many different applications, thus eliminating the need for tailoring a specific cage for each specific application. Once the desired length is determined, a foundation, or slab 208, may be set in place corresponding to the desired cage length. As depicted in FIG. 2, a hasp 212 is set in one end of the slab 208 while a hinge mechanism 210 is set into a point in the slab 208 opposite of the hasp 212. The cage may be opened and closed by undoing the hasp 212 and lifting the inner clamshell portion of the cage at or near the hasp 212 so that the cage 200 pivots on the hinge 210.

The expandable backflow cage embodiment in which each clamshell is connected to a rail system may have at least one rail, and optionally 2 or more rails. The expandable backflow cage may be attached to a concrete slab via a hinge on one end of the cage and a lock and hasp on the other end of the cage, allowing the cage to swing open by pivoting on the hinge when the lock and hasp is in the unlocked position. In an embodiment, the cage can be adjustable from 10″ to 100″ in length, optionally from 20″ to 80″, optionally from 20″ to 60″, optionally from 24″ to 50″. In an embodiment the cage can have a width of from 10″ to 60″, optionally from 15″ to 50″, optionally from 20″ to 40″, optionally from 24″ to 45″. In an embodiment the cage can have a height of from 10″ to 84″, optionally from 15″ to 60″, optionally from 20″ to 40″, optionally from 24″ to 45″.

FIG. 3 depicts an end view of an embodiment of the expandable backflow cage 300. As depicted, the outer clamshell 302 is taller and wider than the inner clamshell 304 so that the outer clamshell 302 acts as a sleeve for the inner clamshell 304. The two clamshells are locked into a determined length by the use of a shaft 306 that contains a first end 312 that is designed to receive a lock 314 positioned on one side of the cage and wherein the second end 310 of the shaft 306 is designed to mate with a segment 308 attached to the other side of the cage. In a non-limiting example the cage 300 can be adjustable from 26″ to 34″ to 42″ or to 50″ in length. The cage 300 may be adjustable by placing the shaft 306 and corresponding lock 314 perpendicularly along any desired location of the inner clamshell and the outer clamshell in order to achieve a desired cage length.

FIG. 4A depicts an embodiment of an inner clamshell 402 having a back 404 and a front 406. The rear 404 is enclosed, optionally with expanded metal, and the front 406 is open. The inner clamshell is supported on a concrete slab 416 by means of at least one hinge assembly, or pair of hinge assemblies, 412 that are set into the concrete slab 416. These hinge assemblies are located near the back 404. At least one leg, or pair of legs, 414 that are not connected to the slab 416, supports the front 406. The inner clamshell 402 also contains a rail 408 having a slit 410 for receiving a locking mechanism (not shown). The rail 408 is located on the outside surface of the inner clamshell 402.

FIG. 4B depicts an embodiment of an outer clamshell 416 having a back 420 and a front 418. The back 420 is enclosed, optionally with expanded metal, and the front 418 is open. The outer clamshell is supported on a concrete slab 434 by means of at least one hinge assembly, or pair of hinge assemblies, 432 that are set into the concrete slab 434. These hinge assemblies are located near the back 420. At least one leg, or pair of legs, 430 that are not connected to the slab 434, supports the front 418. The outer clamshell 416 also contains a rail 422 for supporting a locking mechanism 424 that may receive a padlock 426.

FIG. 5A depicts a side cut-away of a clamshell embodiment showing a hinge assembly 516 attached to two segments of square metal tubing 504 stacked on top of each other and connected to the expanded metal of a clamshell back 502. The hinge assembly 516 contains a shaft 506 positioned above a slab 512. The hinge assembly 516 also contains a rod 508 extending from shaft 506 below the surface of the slab 512. The rod 508 may also contain washers 510. FIG. 5B is a rear view of the hinge assembly 516 showing the two segments of square metal tubing 504 stacked on top of each other.

FIG. 6A shows a lock mechanism 600 situated near square tubing 602 which forms the front face 603 of a clamshell. A handle 609 is positioned in front of the front face 603 and contains a handle stop plate 604 and a lock stop plate 607. The handle stop plate 604 is designed to rest against a handle stop 606. The handle stop 606 is connected to the lock housing 610. The lock stop plate 607 is designed to align with the locking hasp 640. Both the locking stop plate 607 and the locking hasp 640 contain holes that align for receiving a lock 608. The locking hasp 640 is attached to the lock housing door 642. Therefore, the lock housing door 642 must be closed over the lock housing 610 in order for the holes of the locking stop plate 607 and the locking hasp 640 to align for receipt of the lock 608.

FIG. 6B shows a side view of the lock housing door 642 having an outer side 614. A side of the lock housing door 642 contains a cutout 616 for receipt of the handle 609. The location of the locking hasp 640 is shown positioned below the cutout 616. FIG. 6C depicts a bottom view of the lock housing door 642 having a hinge 622 that connects the lock housing doo 642 to the lock housing 610. The underside of the locking hasp 640 is shown connected to the lock housing door 642.

FIG. 7A shows a cutaway view of a round tubing frame of an inner clamshell wall 702 having an inner section of square tubing 704. A locking tab 706 from the locking mechanism of the outer clamshell (not shown) is shown situated in a locked position within the square tubing 704. FIG. 7B shows a cutaway view of a round tubing frame of the both the inner clamshell wall 710 and the outer clamshell wall 712 each having an aligned set of square tubing 714 capable of receiving and engaging the locking tab 716. The locking tab 716 is shown as being connected to the handle 722, which engages the handle stop 720 and the locking hasp 724 within the lock housing 718.

FIG. 8 depicts a rear view of a clamshell having a set of hinges 806 and 808 that are attached to a slab 812 via subsurface structures 814 and 810, respectively. The rear view shows the enclosed back end 804 supported by a framework structure 802.

FIG. 9A shows a side view of an additional expandable backflow cage embodiment 900 that is adjustable lengthwise via the track system 904. The expandable backflow cage 900 opens by longitudinally splitting down the top center 902 of the cage and pivoting along hinges 910 and 912, which are present on both sides of the expandable backflow cage 900. The cage is fastened shut on each end via locks 906 and 908, as depicted. FIG. 9B shows an end view of the expandable backflow cage 900 having a left half 920 and a right half 922. The left half 920 opens by pivoting on hinges 926, which are supported on slab 934 by stands 930. The right half 922 opens by pivoting on hinges 928, which are supported on slab 034 by stands 932. The left half 920 and the right half 922 are closed together via a lock system 924, which is present on each end.

FIG. 10A shows a lock mechanism housing 1000 having four sides 1002 with two sides having holes 1004 and one side having a rainwater drainage cutout 1006. FIG. 10 B shows a bottom view of a lock mechanism housing 1016 mated with a padlock housing 1008. The underside 1010 of the padlock housing 1008 is open to receive a padlock (not shown) for locking a hasp (not shown) of a shaft 1012. The flat surface 1014 is designed to lay flat against the lock mechanism housing 100 depicted in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C shows the lock mechanism housing 1000 having a rainwater drainage cutout 1006 and a hasp 1020. FIG. 10D shows FIGS. 10A-C combined to produce a lock system 1026 which is closed via a hinge 1024 and contains a padlock.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an expandable backflow cage 1100 situated on a slab 1122 via hinges 1108 and 1106. The expandable backflow cage 1100 is shown having an inner clamshell 1104 and an outer clamshell 1102. The inner clamshell 1104 is shown having locking rails 1112 and the outer clamshell 1102 is shown having receiving rails 1110. Lock mechanisms 1114 and 1116 are positioned on the locking rails 1112 and engaged the receiving rails 1110 via locking handles 1118 and 1120.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an outer clamshell 1200 similar to the outer clamshell 1102 depicted in FIG. 11. The outer clamshell 1200 contains metal tubing 1202 and metal square tubing 1204 and 1206 to provide structure. Flanges 1214 are present on the structure as a surface for attaching an expanded metal surface (not shown). The slots 1216 in the rear metal square tubing 1206 are present for attaching to hinge mechanisms (not shown). The locking rails 1208 contain placement slots for adjusting the location of the lock mechanism receptacles 1212. Adjusting the placement of the lock mechanism receptacles 1212 results in the overall adjustment of the expandable backflow cage length.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an inner clamshell 1300 similar to the inner clamshell 1104 depicted in FIG. 11. The inner clamshell 1300 contains metal tubing 1302 and metal square tubing 1304 and 1306 to provide structure. Flanges 1314 are present on the structure as a surface for attaching an expanded metal surface (not shown). The projections 1316 in the rear metal square tubing 1306 are present for attaching to hinge mechanisms (not shown). The receiving rails 1308 each contain lock mechanisms 1318. Each locking mechanism contains a handle 1320 having a locking end 1322.

FIG. 14 is an end view of an expandable backflow cage 1400 having an inner clamshell 1404 and an outer clamshell 1402 locked together by locking mechanisms 1406 each having locking ends 1408.

FIG. 15A depicts a locking mechanism 1500 having a handle 1504 and a locking mechanism cover 1502 for covering a padlock (not shown). FIG. 15B depicts a locking mechanism 1500 having a locking segment 1504 and a locking hasp 1510. The locking hasp 1510 may be attached to the locking mechanism 1500 via a side plate 1502. The locking segment 1504 contains a handle 1505, a locking end 1506, and hasp mating piece 1508 for aligning with the locking hasp 1510 upon attaching a padlock (not shown).

FIG. 16 depicts a concrete form embodiment 1600. In an embodiment, the concrete form 1600 is formed from or constructed from a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the concrete form 1600 contains a polymeric material. In an embodiment, a concrete form is obtained by cutting a portion of the polymeric sheets to form sections 1602, 1604, 1608, and 1604 that can be bent in a hinge like fashion. The polymeric sheets having hinges, or corners, may be combined to form a concrete form having a square or rectangular shape. The concrete form may be anchored to the ground prior to application of concrete by driving stakes through the walls of the concrete form or on the outside of the concrete form or combinations thereof.

As used herein the term “expandable backflow cage” is used to describe an enclosure that is capable of variable dimensions, such as a length that can be adjusted to be useful in a variety of applications. Alternate terms of use can include: backflow cover, backflow enclosure, backflow cage, valve cover, valve enclosure, valve cage, valve assembly cover, valve assembly enclosure, valve assembly cage, and the like.

It is to be understood that while illustrative embodiments have been depicted and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Depending on the context, all references herein to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it may refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments, versions and examples of the present invention, which are included to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology, the inventions are not limited to only these particular embodiments, versions and examples. Also, it is within the scope of this disclosure that the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are usable and combinable with every other embodiment and/or aspect disclosed herein, and consequently, this disclosure is enabling for any and all combinations of the embodiments and/or aspects disclosed herein. Other and further embodiments, versions and examples of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

1. A cage assembly comprising: a first cage portion comprising a surface, an open front and a closed back and a second cage portion comprising a surface, an open front and a closed back, wherein the first and second cage portions together form a cage enclosure with an adjustable length.
 2. The cage assembly of claim 1 wherein the cage enclosure is attached to a foundation.
 3. The cage assembly of claim 1 wherein the foundation is formed using an adjustable foundation form.
 4. The cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cage portion is smaller than the second cage portion and at least a portion of the first cage portion can fit inside the second cage portion.
 5. The cage assembly of claim 4, wherein the length of the cage assembly can be determined by varying the amount of the first cage portion housed by the second cage portion.
 6. The cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the second cage portion comprises a lock mechanism and the first cage portion comprises a hasp.
 7. The cage assembly of claim 6, wherein first cage portion comprises a bar that runs along at least a portion of the length of the first cage portion and wherein the hasp is attached to any location along the bar.
 8. The cage assembly of claim 7, wherein the location of the hasp can be altered to any point along the bar.
 9. The cage assembly of claim 7, wherein the hasp can be positioned at any number of predetermined points on the bar.
 10. The cage assembly of claim 6, wherein the lock mechanism mates with the hasp to form a locked cage enclosure.
 11. The cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cage portion is at least partially supported by at least one hinge assembly.
 12. The cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the second cage portion is at least partially supported by at least one hinge assembly.
 13. The cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear of the second cage portion is attached to a foundation by a hinge assembly.
 14. The cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear of the first cage portion is attached to a foundation by a hinge assembly and the rear of the second cage portion is attached to a foundation by a hinge assembly.
 15. The cage assembly of claim 7, wherein the location of the hasp along the bar determines the length of the cage assembly.
 16. The cage assembly of claim 1, wherein the surfaces of the first cage portion and the second cage portion comprise expanded metal.
 17. The cage assembly of claim 7, wherein the bar is positioned outside of the surface of the first cage portion.
 18. A method of securing piping assembly comprising: enclosing a piping assembly with a cage enclosure having a first cage portion and a second cage portion, wherein the first and second cage portions together form a cage enclosure that can have an adjustable length.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising attaching the cage enclosure to a foundation.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising forming a foundation using an adjustable foundation form. 